Mouth and foot painting

Mouth and foot painting is a technique to create drawings, paintings and other works of art by maneuvering brushes and other tools with the mouth or foot. The technique is mostly used by artists who through illness, accident or congenital disability have no use of their hands. The Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (AMFPA) is a worldwide organization representing these artists.[1]

Self portrait by mouth and foot artist Thomas Schweicker (1540–1602)

The brushes and tools that are used are ordinary artist's implements, but they may be modified in length or width.[2][3][4] Mouth painters hold the brush in their mouth or between their teeth and maneuver it with their tongue and cheek muscles. The paper or canvas is usually mounted vertically on an easel. Mouth painting is strenuous for neck and jaw muscles since the head has to perform the same back and forth movement as a hand does when painting.[5][6] Foot painting can be done sitting on the floor, at a table or at an easel, as most foot painters use their toes with the same dexterity as people with hands use their fingers, this also helps the brush manoeuvre its self making it be more free with its art..[7][8]

Notable mouth and foot painters

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References

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  1. ^ "History". www.vdmfk.com. Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists of the World. Archived from the original on 3 April 2016. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
  2. ^ "Artist Mouthpiece". www.arttreehouse.com. The Art Treeshouse. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
  3. ^ Clayton, Jon. "My Specialist Equipment". www.jkcmouthartist.com. Jon Clayton. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
  4. ^ Smith, Dominic (25 July 2015). "Paralysed artist paints amazing portrait of Thierry Henry's legendary goal celebration using only his mouth". www.mirror.co.uk. Daily Mirror. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
  5. ^ "Squeezable Paint Brushes (Howard University)". www.aac-rerc.psu.edu. Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America. Archived from the original on 1 March 2016. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
  6. ^ Winchester, Levi (10 July 2014). "Watch: Woman born without fully-formed limbs creates stunning artwork using her mouth". www.express.co.uk. Daily Express. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
  7. ^ "An Amazing Feat – Artists Who Paint With Their Feet". www.aucklandpodiatrist.co.nz. Healthy Steps Podiatry Ltd. 20 November 2014. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
  8. ^ Morris, Millie (30 November 2014). "Creativity Despite Disability: Mouth and Foot Painting Artists". www.epigram.org.uk. Epigram. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
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